Acoustic Guitar Strings – Strings By Mail
When we are talking about acoustic guitars and their associated strings in this article, we are referring to the traditional “steel string” acoustic guitars that are generally hollow with a soundhole(s), and are constructed to transmit sound by vibration – (vs. electric guitars, which rely on their magnetic pickups to transmit the sound electronically). However, there are also many acoustic guitars that offer a variety of pickups so that they can also be used in methods similar to electric guitars.

Acoustic Guitar Strings – Strings By Mail
Acoustic guitars and their corresponding strings also differ from Classical or Flamenco style guitars (which are also acoustic in the sense that they rely on vibrations to project sound). These Classical or Flamenco guitars most often utilize their own nylon based “classical strings” that produce much less tension on the guitar’s neck vs. steel strings, so these Classical or Flamenco style guitars cannot use the same strings as a “steel string” acoustic because of the much higher tension of the acoustic strings, and vice versa. However, Thomastik-Infeld has created an exception with a low tension steel string made just for classical guitars.
Acoustic Guitar Used In Many Different Music Styles
The two most common types of acoustic guitars and associated string sets are of the 6-string and 12-string guitars. And there are also many other popular variations as well, such as 7-string guitars, 8-string guitars, and Baritone guitars.
Unfortunately, guitar strings do not last forever, as acoustic guitar strings do tend to deteriorate over time from playing, as well as from oxidation of the string materials. To keep your acoustic guitar sounding as good as possible & easy to play as possible, fresh strings are a must. Purchasing new strings, or selecting a different style string set, is also a great way to change the playability or dramatically enhance the sound potential of your acoustic guitar.
Acoustic Guitar Strings differ from each other by brand or manufacturer, gauge or thickness, materials they are made of, and from the various manufacturing techniques employed in the process. All of these differences help to provide a wide variety of sound and playing options for acoustic guitar players across the globe, and are adaptable to a wide and ever growing variety of playing styles.
Acoustic Guitar String Gauges
Materials Used in Acoustic Guitar Strings
The various materials that acoustic guitar strings are made of can have a very dramatic effect on how the strings sound, play, and feel. Plain steel strings, for example, are a harder material that helps to produce brighter sounds at a greater volume. However, these steel strings are so hard that they can also wear down a guitar’s frets faster over time. Meanwhile softer metals, such as gold, can produce warmer and a more mellow sounding tone – and are a little less abrasive on your guitar’s frets. String materials and their outer wrapping (wound) can also be made out of nickel, bronze, phosphor bronze, and silver, as well as many other materials and combinations, such as silk and steel, silk and bronze, and copper bronze.
Manufacturing Techniques Used In Making Acoustic Guitar Strings
Outer Windings
Some acoustic guitar strings can go through yet another wrapping/finishing process where they can be further manipulated by grinding down or polishing the strings for sound quality and playability. Flat Tops acoustic strings are made semi-flat through a 3 step polishing process, providing a smooth playing surface that helps reduce finger noise without sacrificing tone.
Treating/Coating/Plating
We would like to leave you with some questions to help guide you toward your pursuit of tonal happiness. Do you have a favorite brand or style of strings for your acoustic guitar? What type of music do you play and what kind of acoustic guitars do you use them on? Why do you choose specific brands, gauges, manufacturing materials, processes, or coatings? Do the acoustic guitar strings you choose respond exactly the way your guitar desires, or does it beg for something better?